It’s that time of year again - the sun is glinting through the clouds and excitement is in the air. Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is almost underway and deciding what to wear to can be difficult at the best of times – let alone when you are pregnant! From following dress codes to acknowledging current trends and attempting to look unique, dressing for the races can feel like an impossible task. Don’t worry though, we are here to help! Let us assist you in navigating the racing season (and your growing bump!) in style!
Derby Day
Derby Day always kicks off the Melbourne Cup Carnival in style. Derby Day is an excellent example of classic elegance. Featuring a black and white dress code, the day is as classy as they come and is the most adhered to dress code of the Spring Racing Carnival. Leave the colours at home and opt for monochrome, all-over white or all-over black looks and let the silhouette of your dress and accessories become the statement. This day is all about looking chic and stylish and the most elegant looks tend to be predominantly white or predominantly black as busy patterns and prints can look jarring in the monochromatic palette. Our pick for Derby Day, and incidentally one of our favorite dresses of the season, is the Romee Midi Dress. This dress looks sharp and classic in black or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go for the white which has a lovely fresh appeal and works great in the spring sunshine! No matter which colour you pick, you will look stunning and chic in the body hugging silhouette and the waffle texture of the fabric makes for a great detail that adds a bit more interest. As for headwear, we would pair this with a sleek brimmed hat.
Shop the Romee Dress in Black HERE> and in White HERE>
Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
Planning your outfit is essential for Melbourne Cup Day as the day is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing and definitely the biggest day in the Spring Racing Carnival. While there’s no colour rule as there is on Derby Day, you are expected to look appropriate. Pick a style that falls below the knee and is suitably modest but will still stand out. You want to make a statement with something fashion-forward so go bold and show some flare. Keep your silhouette defined but choose a dress with unique design details. Ruffles, statement sleeves and laser cut details are all perfect details for the 2017 season. We would recommend the Myra Ruffle Sleeve Dress as it is the perfect balance of modest styling with a bold silhouette. As this style is a classic navy, pair it with a unique fascinator that’s more artwork than hairpiece.
Shop the Myra Ruffle Sleeve Dress HERE>
Crown Oaks Day
Crown Oaks Day is the day of the festival when fashion on the fields is announced and everyone really brings the spring vibes with pastel colours and floral prints. Traditionally known as “ladies day”, Oaks Day is a chance to feel beautiful and ladylike, so pick a dress that is feminine but still expresses your signature style. Go for a dress that is made from delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, chiffon, lace or anything with a floral print. We personally love to opportunity to splash out a bit of print so our pick for the day would be the Julianne Midi Dress. This dress is stylishly feminine with its flared hemline and gathered cap sleeves. The bodice is form fitting but the skirt will float softly over your bump making it suitably elegant for Oaks Day. Finish off your look with a crown instead of a fascinator as it will have a fresher feel and make your look more modern and on-trend.
Shop the Julianne Midi Dress HERE>
Stakes Day
Rounding out the Melbourne Cup Carnival is Emirates Stakes Day, traditionally known as “family day. This is the least formal day or the carnival and a great chance to bring the family along and embrace the relaxed feel of the day. You want to wear something comfortable so you can run around after the kids. Aim to achieve a balanced look that appears classic and dressed up but allows you to feel relaxed and confident. We would go for a style such as our Emma Feeding Dress that has an elegant pleated skirt but features an elastic waist so it won’t feel tight or stuffy. This is also the perfect style if you are a nursing mother and offers a great chance to wear a style that allows you to get dressed up but breast feed at the same time! This style is also great because it goes with pretty much any accessories. Complete your relaxed look with your choice of heels, wedges, or even chic flats, and an appropriate headpiece. We recommend a charming straw hat or small scale headpiece that won’t overwhelm your look. A simple headband or decorative slide will be enough for your Stakes Day outfit.
Shop the Emma Feeding Dress HERE>
